28 Responses to “Escort SmartRadar Detector Review”

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  1. MaxNix

    I am certainly curious how it “gives 360° protection” when it cannot have any direct line of sight through the mirror behind it for rear laser detection?

    I think this suffers the same fatal flaw as the Passport IQ in that it uses the BT radio to connect, which means your phone cannot be connected to the car. Why did they not use the WiFi radio?

    Lastly, I get they are trying to get everything off the windshield, but blocking AC vents is a real no no in TX during the summer. I am surprised AZ is any different, even though “it is a dry heat.”

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    Feedback: 4 negative
    • Radar is a radio wave thus it can penetrate the cabin area of your car. The same with the remote mounted 9500ci and Bel STi R

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      Feedback: 2 positive, 2 negative
      • KevinE

        Radar Roy,
        What about MaxNix’s question about bluetooth? This would be a deal breaker for me also.

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        Feedback: 1 positive
        • If your phone is not connected you will still get alerts through the display module. My iPhone has no problem being connected to my car and to the SmartRadar at the same time.

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          Feedback: 9 positive
  2. GCooper

    Radar Roy,

    Thank you for you well thought out and helpful commentary on detectors. I drive approx 45000k per and have been using a radar detector for the past 17 years. With all these great detectors I am squarely stuck on the fence between the Smart-radar detector and the Redline. I am planning on subscribing to Escort Live for my next detector as well. Which way would you go given the choice? I do some long distance driving, but the lions share is on the highways around NYC between NY and NJ. I currently use a 7 year old 8500 x50 with very good results.

    Thanks again!

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    Feedback: 1 positive
    • If you’re drive a lot on the highway would recommend the Escort Redline without question – Superior range and performance. Remember to sign up to get your 10% off discount.

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      Feedback: 2 positive
    • Aegisranger

      Hey GCooper,

      You might want to check your math… You say that you “drive approx 45000k per” but 45000k = 45 million miles. That’s a bunch of miles dude… 🙂

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      Feedback: 1 positive
  3. Geo

    Hello Roy,
    do you have a promo code for this item?
    thanks

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  4. Will make a nice xmas present for my son who’s off to college 😉

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  5. Rob Renner

    Hi Roy, thanks for the great review!

    I am interested in using the SmartRadar on my motorcycle and had a few questions.

    But before it ask my questions, here is my setup:

    A) Samsung Galaxy S3 Android Phone hard mounted in an Ultimate Addons waterproof Toughcase on my handlebar, powered thru a switched CANBUS dc source. I use the Sygic Navigation app (doesn’t require a phone signal to operate, which is nice out in the boonies), my phone, and my music, all bluetoothed to my helmet.

    B) Sena SMH-10 Bluetooth helmet com system. It can communicate to other riders, but I use it primarily to connect via Bluetooth to my Android Phone.

    Ok, here are my questions:

    1) Does an audible sound come out of the bluetooth connected phone when there is an alert? If so, does it override the music (like my navigation app) if I happen to be listening to music thru the bluetooth?

    2) Does an audible sound come out of radar unit when there is an alert? I would
    Ike to turn that off so the only audible alert is in my helmet.

    3) Can the power switch be left in the always on position? I plan on mounting the detector unit tucked in under the windshield, and hard wired to CANBUS switched power. There will be no access to the power switch once installed.

    4) How weather resistant is the detector unit? Is it as good as the remote mounted detectors you’ve come across?

    Thanks, I know many of us in the MC community are looking for good Bluetooth enabled radar options- hopefully this product can make the grade.

    Rob

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    • Well as the control head and the detector itself is not waterproof, I wouldn’t recommend mounting on your bike. But here are my responses to your other questions:

      1) Yes, a slight “beep” and then defaults to the radar detector screen
      2) Same as above
      3) Yes, my unit is on all the time
      4) Weather will destroy this detector and the display
      5) The STiR has better range and sensitivity

      Hope I got them all

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      Feedback: 2 positive
  6. Max

    I’m slightly confused. I think this has been answered already, but I’m it certain. Does This detector only block out false alarms if the app is on?

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  7. Max

    Ok. Last question. I have int across my upper front windshield. Will mounting the detector on the tint cause any reception problems?

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  8. Jason Boss

    Very informative review, it’s too bad you don’t sell radar detectors on your site, because you would make a great salesman! I have a question about the Bluetooth functionality of this device. Currently I have my iphone 5 set up in a dash mount with USB to the speakers, as well as auto-connect to my silverados Bluetooth.

    Would pairing my phone with this detector allow calls to still be pushed through my vehicle?

    Also, I know you touched on this with another commenter with his motorcycle set up, but does the iPhone provide audio alert to detection? Or strictly from the actual sensing box? And is there a way to have just the phone alert? My hearing isn’t what it used to be after the service, and having my phone dim my music to relay alerts would seem to be the best way for me.

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    • Yes, by pairing you will still be able to get calls and even listen to your iTunes

      You will hear the alerts on the phone, but they are very low volume

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  9. mark

    i gust got the redline,but it does go off Intel you get with in 500 to 1000 yards form the police car. Iam on hwy mode i do not know what is going on with this unit

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  10. Michael

    If I get the apple one will I still be able to use it with a android phone late on?

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    Feedback: 1 negative
  11. Tom

    How is does the SmartRadar do on Laser? Does it out perform the 8500 and 9500 on laser?

    Thanks

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  12. philip

    How do I get the app to work while I have Waze giving me directions or Talking on the phone? Thank you

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